'Topless Johnny' steps down from St. Baldrick's Day event

St. Patrick's Day head-shaving cancer fundraiser will continue

By Lindsay Peyton |
March 5, 2013

Event Co-Chairman Johnny Hennigan, of The Woodlands, with his colored beard, reacts as Amy Edwards, of Sprout Salons in The Woolands, shaves his head during the St. Baldrick's Day celebration at the Goose's Acre Bistro and Irish Pub on The Woodlands Waterway. Volunteers agreed to have their head shaved as a way to raise money for children's cancer research. Money raised goes to St. Baldrick's Foundation funds childhood cancer research. David Hopper photograph

Photo By David Hopper/freelance

Event chairman Johnny Hennigan, of The Woodlands, watches as volunteers get their heads shaved during the Goose's Acre Bistro and Pub, on The Woodlands Waterway, 5th Annual St. Baldrick's Day benefiting the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Over 30 men, women, and children had their heads shaved, with the crowd cheering them on, for the charity event. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a charity helping to find a cure for childhood cancers. Photo by David Hopper

Hennigan earned the nickname "Topless Johnny" during past St. Baldrick's Days, because he shaves his head each year.

"I'm the first one up," he said.

"Topless Johnny" plans to go out with a bang.

"Over these last seven years, I've asked people to shave their heads, I've asked people to donate money, speakers and microphones, silent auction items," he said. "I've asked Brandi (general manager of the restaurant) to run a business, while we basically take the pub over. Finally I've asked salon stylists to give up their Sunday and work for five to six hours shaving heads."

This year, he has invited first responders to join in fundraising efforts for St. Baldrick's.

Hennigan also will ask those who do not shave their heads this year to make a donation to the cause.

"This is the first year I'm going to hit my address book and ask for donations," he said.

The Woodlands holds the only St. Baldrick's Day event in the Houston area. The Goose's Acre has worked with the national charity since 2007. At that time, the restaurant asked Hennigan, who works in marketing, to help out.

"Seven years ago Brian Young, owner of The Goose, issued me a challenge to start a St. Baldrick's Foundation event," Hennigan said.

Hennigan did not know about the foundation and quickly researched the cause. Having lost his father to cancer and being a survivor himself, Hennigan knew firsthand how devastating and widespread the problem is. His daughter Kelly was also diagnosed with cancer at 12 years old.

Hennigan said his family has been personally touched by the benefits of funding for cancer research. Kelly had a successful surgery and is now cancer free.

The first year, four people shaved their heads at the Goose's Acre and raised $3,009.

"The second year we got better," Hennigan said.

The event inspired 18 people to shave their heads, and they raised $17,793.

"That's when the magic started," Hennigan said.

He met Mantemurno, a woman who had a son diagnosed with leukemia. She had the same passion and drive as Hennigan.

"She was so awesome," he recalled. "I told her, I don't know if I can do this anymore unless you get on board."

Mantemurno said she was eating dinner at the Goose's Acre when she learned about St. Baldrick's.

"I was reading the flier and thought, 'We need to get involved in this,' " she recalled.

In 2008, her husband shaved his head to show support for the charity and the Mantemurnos raised funds for the cause. In 2009, Mantemurno shaved her head.

"The cancer that my son had was rare," she said. "An organization that solely funded research appealed to me. I decided it would be my cause for the future."

For the past five years, Mantemurno has teamed with Hennigan, and together they raised more than $133,000. The goal this year is to raise $50,000, Hennigan said. In-kind donations also help, Hennigan explained. Each year, a salon is recruited to volunteer its time and services. This year's barber services are courtesy of Sprout Salons.

For people with long hair who are not ready to go completely bald, there is a second option. They can have their hair cut by a stylist and donated to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program, which creates wigs for chemo patients.

Hennigan agreed to serve as emcee for future St. Baldrick's Day celebrations at The Goose's Acre. Otherwise, he believes his work getting the event going is done.

"Everyone knows that before St. Patrick's Day is St. Baldrick's Day," Hennigan said.

"They look forward to that event. I'm proud of that."

Mantemurno said Hennigan has done a top-notch job establishing the fundraiser.

"I hope to keep growing the event," she said.

"We're gaining momentum. I'm constantly trying to get people involved in the charity.

"Even if you don't want to shave your head - just donate or volunteer."